Reply

Dear visitor, welcome to SPRINKLER TALK FORUM - You Got Questions, We've Got Answers. If this is your first visit here, please read the Help. It explains how this page works. You must be registered before you can use all the page's features. Please use the registration form, to register here or read more information about the registration process. If you are already registered, please login here.

Attention: The last reply to this post was 4419 days ago. The thread may already be out of date. Please consider creating a new thread.

About the most common cutter around Phx is the Kwik-Cut, especially on new pipe that still has it's elasticity. Rachet type cutters (the better ones) are good on Sch pipe, but be very careful on older pipe.... CRUNCH!
I personally use a Cable Saw on most EVERYTHING. Fast, clean, and does made NOT bugger thin or brittle pipe. I also straigten out the cable when I am done using them by making the cable smoke in a piece of Doug Fir and then pull the ends tight letting it cool straight. Gets rid of the pig tailing. Saws generally last me at least 40-50 cuts.
Bill

I am going to agree with Wetboots here, The home improvement stores ratcheting "pipe cutters" are worthless. You'd be lucky to install a complete system using the same pair. If you want something quality, it is going to show on the price tag.

I occasionally use a ratchet cutter on the odd tree root, as well. If not using sch 40, you don't need a ratchet cutter. If any of the pipe is old and weathered, you'd want to have a saw, in case it's getting brittle.

To elaborate on this, a ratcheting cutter can shatter an old brittle PVC pipe, instead of cutting smoothly through it. This is why you use a saw when in doubt, on older pipe, when you can't afford to have shattered pipe and/or fittings.

Also, do not expect the cheapest home-center ratcheting cutter to be any good. They may look like the real thing, but the metal is so inferior as to be laughable. A Victor VP-30 is about $35 to $40 at contractor net.

I occasionally use a ratchet cutter on the odd tree root, as well. If not using sch 40, you don't need a ratchet cutter. If any of the pipe is old and weathered, you'd want to have a saw, in case it's getting brittle.

To elaborate on this, a ratcheting cutter can shatter an old brittle PVC pipe, instead of cutting smoothly through it. This is why you use a saw when in doubt, on older pipe, when you can't afford to have shattered pipe and/or fittings.

Also, do not expect the cheapest home-center ratcheting cutter to be any good. They may look like the real thing, but the metal is so inferior as to be laughable. A Victor VP-30 is about $35 to $40 at contractor net.